Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Wetmore, Colorado
Wetmore sits in the foothills of the Wet Mountains in Custer County, where the terrain shifts from open ranch land into ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest before climbing toward higher ridges.
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View on mapHiking · 12 spots
Wetmore sits in the foothills of the Wet Mountains in Custer County, where the terrain shifts from open ranch land into ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest before climbing toward higher ridges. The hiking here is largely road-based and trail-based travel through San Isabel National Forest, with routes like Roundtop Mountain Road, Rudolph Mountain Trail, and Lewis Creek Trail giving you access to that mid-elevation foothills character without the crowds you'd find further north along the Front Range. Most of the 12 listed routes follow forest roads and spur roads — Bigelow Spur Road, Babcock Spur Road, Lefthand Fork Road, and others — meaning the terrain is generally more open and navigable than technical singletrack, though elevation gain and surface conditions still vary. Lewis Creek Trail is the one explicitly rated moderate, which gives you a useful benchmark: if that feels comfortable, most of the road-based routes here will too. This area rewards people who want quiet, unhurried time in the woods rather than a summit-bag experience. Cell service is limited once you're into the forest roads, so paper maps or downloaded offline maps are worth having before you leave Wetmore.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to hike near Wetmore?
Late May through October is the most reliable window. Snow can linger on shaded forest roads into April, and the higher routes around Roundtop Mountain can see early-season mud that makes footing and vehicle access difficult. Monsoon season in July and August brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting hikes early in the morning is a good habit during those months.
Are the forest roads like Bigelow Road and Smith Creek Road open to foot traffic, or are they vehicle routes?
Forest roads in San Isabel National Forest are generally open to both foot and vehicle traffic unless posted otherwise. That means you may share routes like Bigelow Road, Smith Creek Road, or Snider Draw Road with ATVs, trucks, and mountain bikes. Wearing visible colors and staying to the side of the road is practical advice, especially on weekends.
How difficult is the hiking around Wetmore? Is it suitable for beginners?
Most of the listed routes here are road-based, which tends to mean steadier footing and more predictable grades than technical trails. Lewis Creek Trail is rated moderate and is a reasonable test for newer hikers. The road routes like Lefthand Fork Road and Washout Road are generally accessible to beginners, though distance and elevation gain will depend on how far you choose to go.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike in this area?
Most trailhead and forest road access in San Isabel National Forest around Wetmore does not require a day-use fee or permit for hiking. That said, regulations can change, and some trailheads may have specific posted requirements. Check with the San Carlos Ranger District before your trip if you want current information on any access restrictions.
What gear should I bring for a day hike on routes like Rudolph Mountain Trail or Roundtop Mountain Road?
Bring more water than you think you need — there are no reliable water sources confirmed along these routes, and the foothills can be warmer and drier than expected. Sturdy trail shoes or light hiking boots handle the mixed surfaces on forest roads well. Given the limited cell service in the area, a downloaded offline map or a printed topo is worth the small effort before you leave town.
